Authoritative Declaration: φημί (Strong’s G5346: phēmi) Speaks Divine Truth

Strong’s G5346: A primary verb meaning “to say, declare, affirm.” Used in contexts of authoritative or significant statements. Often introduces direct discourse in Scripture, particularly divine declarations and important pronouncements. Represents deliberate, thoughtful speech rather than casual conversation.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb φημί denotes authoritative or significant speech, often introducing direct discourse or important declarations. Unlike casual conversation, it carries weight and deliberation in its usage. In the New Testament, it frequently appears in contexts of divine pronouncements, scriptural quotations, and weighty statements by significant figures. The early church recognized this word’s significance in marking authoritative teaching and divine revelation. Today, φημί reminds us of the gravity and authority that should accompany proclamation of divine truth.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φημί, phēmi, fay-mee’
• Pronunciation Guide: fay (as in “fate”) + mee (as in “me”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary root word
• Related to φάσις (utterance)
  A basic term expressing authoritative speech

D – Defining Meanings

• To say
• To declare
• To affirm
• To assert

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “To declare” – emphasizes authority
• “To affirm” – stresses certainty
• “To say” – basic meaning with context determining weight

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λέγω (legō, leg’-o) – to say, speak See G3004
• λαλέω (laleō, lal-eh’-o) – to talk, speak See G2980
• εἶπον (eipon, i’-pon) – to say, speak See G2036

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (present)

Examples:

• φημί – I say/declare (present active)
• ἔφην – I was saying (imperfect)
• φησί(ν) – he/she says (present)
• φασί(ν) – they say (present)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich understanding of φημί. BDAG emphasizes its use in introducing significant statements. Thayer’s notes its distinction from casual speech. LSJ documents its classical usage for authoritative pronouncements. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its use in divine declarations. Strong’s connects it to clear, deliberate speech. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its formal use in official proclamations and documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 4:7: “Jesus said [φημί] to him, ‘It is written again, “You shall not tempt the LORD your God.”‘”

Additional References:
Matthew 8:8, Matthew 13:29, Matthew 19:21, Acts 7:2, Romans 3:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φημί powerfully illustrates the authority and gravity that should accompany divine truth. When used in Scripture, it often marks statements of particular significance or divine authority. The good news is that King Jesus speaks with ultimate authority, and His declarations carry divine weight. This word reminds us that when we proclaim His truth, we should do so with appropriate gravity and certainty.

D – Did You Know?

1. φημί was often used in Greek philosophical dialogues to introduce key arguments.
2. Early Christian writers used this term specifically for quoting Scripture.
3. The word influenced formal speech patterns in early church liturgy.

Strong’s G5346: A primary verb meaning “to say, declare, affirm.” Used in contexts of authoritative or significant statements. Often introduces direct discourse in Scripture, particularly divine declarations and important pronouncements. Represents deliberate, thoughtful speech rather than casual conversation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: declaration, authority, speech, pronouncement, divine-word, affirmation, statement, proclamation, scriptural-quotation, teaching, formal-speech, divine-declaration, authoritative-speech, truth, pronouncement​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​